Saturday, April 27, 2013

PICTUREHOUSE'S METALLICA THROUGH THE NEVER ROCKS IMAX® 3D THEATERS FOR EXCLUSIVE RUN IN NORTH AMERICA BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 27
LOS ANGELES - April 24, 2013 - IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and Picturehouse today announced that Metallica Through the Never, filmmaker Nimród Antal's captivating 3D movie featuring one of music's most enduring and iconic bands, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® 3D format and released wide in North America exclusively into IMAX® theatres for a one-week engagement starting Friday, Sept. 27. The film will expand into additional theatres on Oct. 4.

Starring Metallica, a cast of thousands of their fans and breakout star Dane DeHaan (Chronicle, The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Metallica Through the Never is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Nimród Antal (Predators, Kontroll) and produced by former IMAX film producer Charlotte Huggins (Journey to the Center of the Earth). The film marries groundbreaking footage and editing techniques with a compelling narrative, in which a band crew member (played by DeHaan) is sent out on a mission during Metallica's roaring live set in front of a sold-out arena. While on this mission, he unexpectedly has his life turned completely upside down.     

"IMAX!  It doesn't get bigger or cooler than that!" said Lars Ulrich who formed Metallica in 1981 together with James Hetfield. "For four guys in a rock band of average height, to get a chance to unleash their 3D film on IMAX screens the size of buildings across the country is a mind-blowing thought. 'Hey look, Mom, I'm 50 feet tall (finally!)' There is no better way to experience film and when you throw in the spectacle of music and sound this should amount to an unprecedented, unique and truly next level experience."

"The totally immersive experience of IMAX 3D is the perfect complement to Metallica's in-your-face, big and loud performance style," said Bob Berney, CEO of Picturehouse.  "The combination of the band's music and a strong storyline create a unique cinematic experience for die-hard fans and general moviegoers alike."

"Nimród Antal and Metallica have done a tremendous job capturing the essence of the band's commanding live performances and have created a visual and aural cinematic spectacle," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Entertainment. "We believe the power of The IMAX Experience® will deliver for Metallica fans and ensure they feel every part of this journey."

The IMAX 3D release of Metallica Through the Never will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology.  The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

About Metallica
Formed in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, Metallica have become one of the most influential and commercially successful rock bands in history, having sold 110 million albums worldwide and playing to millions of fans the world over. They have scored several multi-platinum albums, including 1991's Metallica (commonly referred to as "The Black Album"), which is the best selling album in history of Soundscan scanning 16 million albums in the United States alone.  Their latest album, Death Magnetic, was certified platinum just six weeks after it debuted atop the Billboard Top 200 Album chart in October 2008. Death Magnetic charted at #1 in 32 countries. Metallica have also garnered numerous awards and accolades, including nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and multiple MTV Video Music Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009.  The band recently celebrated its 30th-Anniversary with a week's worth of fan club concerts at the Fillmore Theater in San Francisco, CA.   In 2012, they announced the launch of Orion Music + More, an annual two-day festival curated and headlined by the band.  This past summer, Metallica unveiled a brand new stage in Mexico City that featured iconic elements that spanned its 30-year career.  They played eight shows to nearly 180,000 fans at the Sports Arena in Mexico City.   On June 8th and 9th Metallica will host the second annual Orion Music + More in Detroit, Michigan at Belle Isle.

About Picturehouse
Picturehouse, a New York-based independent film marketing and distribution company, re-opened its doors with founder Bob Berney at the helm in 2013. The company has an exclusive, multi-year output deal with Netflix and its first theatrical release will be Metallica Through the Never,which opens in the U.S. on September 27, 2013. Picturehouse has also acquired U.S. rights to release The Great Gilly Hopkins, currently in pre-production. An adaptation of Katherine Paterson's award-winning young-adult novel, The Great Gilly Hopkins, starring Academy Award ® winner Kathy Bates and Danny Glover, is to be directed by Stephen Herek (101 Dalmatians, Mr. Holland's Opus) from the script by David Paterson (Bridge to Terabithia), and is produced by William Teitler (The Polar Express, What Maisie Knew, Mr. Holland's Opus). 

About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined.  Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing.  As of Dec. 31, 2012, there were 731 IMAX theatres (598 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations and 114 institutions) in 53 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation.  More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com.  You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
###
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
ATLAS GENIUS' FIRST NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR LAUNCHES THIS THURSDAY, APRIL 25, WITH SOLD-OUT SHOW AT EMO'S EAST IN AUSTIN AND INCLUDES
TWO SOLD-OUT NIGHTS AT NYC'S BOWERY BALLROOM

BAND WILL PERFORM ON "LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN" ON MAY 2

"CENTRED ON YOU," ATLAS GENIUS' NEW VIDEO, CAN NOW BE SEEN HERE AT REFINERY 29

ATLAS GENIUS IS MTV'S "ARTIST TO WATCH" FOR MAY


Atlas Genius will kick off its first-ever North American headline tour this Thursday, April 25th, with a sold-out show at Emo's East in Austin, TX. The run includes sold-out nights in Houston, Santa Barbara, Denver, Minneapolis, Cambridge and New York City, where the Australian band will play The Bowery Ballroom on June 18 and 19.  The band will play London, UK for the first time on May 7, as well. Supporting acts will include The Neighbourhood, The Postelles, The Colourist, Pacific Air and Haerts. Atlas Genius, who recently wrapped up a sold-out tour with Imagine Dragons, will also perform at numerous festivals, including the Sasquatch! Festival, Lollapalooza, the Firefly Music Festival, Summerfest, Edgefest, San Francisco's BFD and San Diego's X-Fest. See below for tour itinerary.

As a "MTV Artist to Watch," Atlas Genius will be featured across all of MTV's platforms. The band will be putting on a special show from the Studio at Webster Hall on April 30 that will be streamed live on MTV.com. Atlas Genius will then perform it's current single, "If So," on "Late Show with David Letterman" on May 2.

"Centred on You," Atlas Genius' new video, can be viewed now at Refinery 29 here.  It was directed by Anders Rostad (http://andersrostad.com/). "Trojans," the first single from the band's full-length debut, When It Was Now (Warner Bros. Records), is a Top 5 Modern Rock/Top 10 Triple A radio hit. It has already sold over 250,000 tracks in the U.S. and has spent 49 weeks on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. "Trojans" has been heard on such shows as "Grey's Anatomy," "Deception," "Whitney," "Being Human" and "90210." The band's new single, "If So," praised by Rolling Stone for its "dream-like guitar licks, shifty hi-hats and a meaty bass backbone,"has been licensed by "90210" and the EA Sports FIFA video game.  

Brothers Keith and Michael Jeffery wrote, recorded and produced When It Was Now at a studio they built in their hometown of Adelaide, Australia. "Bouncy, jangly tracks like 'Through the Glass' and the single 'Trojans'...[are] pretty damn irresistible," said People. Seventeen placed them on its list of "17 Bands Everyone Should Be Talking About." Neon Gold said that When It Was Now "promises to be one of the year's most impressive debuts," NYLON tipped Atlas Genius as one of the top five bands to watch out for in 2013 and Entertainment Weekly named them as one of "15 New Stars We Love."

ATLAS GENIUS - TOUR DATES

April
25 - Austin, TX @ Emo's East *  SOLD OUT
26 - Houston, TX @ Fitzgeralds *  SOLD OUT
27 - Dallas, TX @ FC Dallas Stadium - Edgefest
30 - New York, NY @ The Studio at Webster Hall - MTV Artist To Watch Live

May
3 - New York, NY @ Original Penguin SoHo store
4 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Piazza at Schmidt's w/Family of the Year
7 - London, UK @ Electrowerks
19 - Mountain View, CA @ Live 105 BFD Festival
20 - Santa Barbara, CA @ SOhO Restaurant and Music Club **  SOLD OUT
22 - Sacramento, CA @ Harlow's Night Club **
24 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom **
25 - Quincy, WA @ The Gorge - Sasquatch! Music Festival - Bigfoot Stage
26 - Vancouver, BC @ Venue **
29 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court ***
31 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater ***  SOLD OUT

June
1 - Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep ***
4 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Café ***  SOLD OUT
6 - Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe at Old National Centre ***
7 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall ***
9 - Nashville, TN @ 3rd & Lindley ****
11 - Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa ****
12 - Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club ****
14 - Albany, NY @ Bayou Café ****
15 - Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair  **** SOLD OUT
17 - Pawtucket, RI @ The Met Café ****
18 - New York, NY @ The Bowery Ballroom  ****  SOLD OUT
19 - New York, NY @ The Bowery Ballroom ****  SOLD OUT
20 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Casino - Wolf Den  FREE SHOW
21 - Dover, DE @ Firefly Music Festival
23 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House *****
24 - Detroit, MI @ Shelter *****
27 - Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest

July
6 - Vancouver, BC @Kelowna's Waterfront Park
10 - Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Blues Festival
13 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bunbury Music Fest

August
2 - Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
4 - Montreal, QC @ Osheaga Music and Arts Festival
8 - Bakersfield, CA @ B Ryders
TBA - San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands

September
20 - San Diego, CA @ 91X Fest

Supporting acts:
*The Neighbourhood
**The Postelles and The Colourist 
***The Postelles and Haerts
****Pacific Air and Haerts
*****Pacific Air

 


CITI PRESENTS LADY ANTEBELLUM'S "GOLDEN" RELEASE SHOW TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013 IN NEW YORK CITY

EVENT TO FEATURE SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY THE AWARD-WINNING TRIO AND BENEFIT MUSICIANS ON CALL
LOS ANGELES, CA - April 23, 2013 - LADY ANTEBELLUM announced today their "GOLDEN" record release show at the McKittrick Hotel, home of Sleep No More, in New York City on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, presented by Citi. Tickets are available for purchase exclusively through the Citi Private Pass entertainment access program. Citi cardmembers can purchase up to two tickets on www.citiprivatepass.com beginning at 10 a.m. EST on Wednesday, April 24, 3013. A limited number of tickets will be available, and all event attendees will receive a CD of Lady Antebellum's new album "GOLDEN."

The celebration will feature an intimate performance by the multi-platinum award-winning trio. The performance will benefit Musicians On Call, who brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. That evening, a donation will be made to Musicians On Call on behalf of LadyAID™, Lady Antebellum's foundation formed to raise awareness and generate support for the plight of children locally, nationally, and globally who cannot otherwise help themselves. While in New York City, members of Lady Antebellum will also visit the pediatric unit of a local New York City Hospital. 

"Whether in New York or Nashville, Citi Private Pass enables memorable experiences for our cardmembers to enjoy the music they love. This exclusive evening will celebrate new music from one of the most influential voices in country music today," said Jennifer Breithaupt, SVP of Entertainment Marketing at Citi.  

"Musicians On Call is thrilled to have Lady Antebellum support our mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients by going to a New York pediatric facility and entertaining the children there," said Dr. Leslie Faerstein, Executive Director of Musicians On Call.  "We have been honored to have Lady A's support in the past and are so grateful to them for what they are doing in conjunction with their CD release."

Since its 2006 inception, Lady A had risen quickly to become Country Music's most influential current group. The group won the "Vocal Group of the Year" honor from both the CMA and from the ACM's three times in a row and sold 11 million albums worldwide. Nine of the band's singles went Gold, with four surpassing the Platinum mark. "Need You Now" went on to sell over seven million downloads and claimed five of the trio's seven career GRAMMY wins, including the all-genre "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year." For more information on new music and upcoming appearances, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.
 

ABOUT CITI PRIVATE PASS
Citi's Private Pass® Program enables Citi credit and debit cardmembers to purchase tickets to events where they can experience some of the best in sports, dining, music and family entertainment. In 2012 alone, Citi Private Pass offered cardmembers access to over 10,000 events across sports, dining, music and family entertainment. With more than 5,000 music events a year, Citi cardmembers can choose what appeals to them, whether it's taking the kids to their first concert or a VIP experience in an intimate venue.

For more information on Citi Private Pass, please visit www.citiprivatepass.com, www.facebook.com/citibank or on Twitter @CitiPrivatePass.

ABOUT LADYAID
LadyAID™ was set up in 2012 by the seven-time GRAMMY award-winning trio Lady Antebellum as a philanthropic effort created to bring awareness to and generate support for children in need locally, nationally and globally. The multi-level organization reaches children across the state of Tennessee through grants to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®.  On a national level, LadyAID™ is supporting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and on a global level, myLIFEspeaks and The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The LadyAID™Fund is a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. For more information, visit www.LadyAID.org

ABOUT MUSICIANS ON CALL
Musicians On Call (MOC) was founded in 1999 with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.  To date, its volunteers have played for over 300,000 people nationwide.  Musicians On Call continues its mission through room-to-room hospital performances by local musicians and national celebrities as well as the CD Pharmacy Program.  www.musiciansoncall.org 


Hot 104.1 presents Super Jam 2013
Lil Wayne

 with special guests

T.I.
and
2 CHAINZ
August 11th

Tickets on sale Friday, April 26th at Noon
Save with the Four Pack… 4 Lawn Tickets for $89
plus No Service Fees at the Box Office 1st Week of
Sales*
Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, Verizon Wireless
Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Retail Outlets,
or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000


El Monstero

Saturday, July 20th

Tickets on sale this Saturday, April 27th at 10am
Save with the Four Pack… 4 Lawn Tickets for $48
plus No Service Fees at the Box Office 1st Week of
Sales*
Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, Verizon Wireless
Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Retail Outlets,
or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000
All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Tickets may be subject to fees.
*No service fees at the box office ends on May 3rd at 6pm.

Produced by Live Nation

As Rihanna Makes History, Becoming The First Artist To Tally Ten #1 Pop Songs, She Releases RIHANNA 777 TOUR.7COUNTRIES7DAYS7SHOWS: New Documentary Concert Video Set For May 7th DVD Release On ROC NATION!

FOX TV TO PREMIERE SPECIAL ON MAY 6th, 8:00 p.m. (ET)

CHRONICLE OF RIHANNA's WHIRLWIND 777 TOUR FROM NOVEMBER 2012, TO 7 CONCERTS IN 7 DAYS IN 7 COUNTRIES!


As Roc Nation global superstar Rihanna's current single "Stay" (featuring Mikky Ekko) from her worldwide 2 million-selling #1 album, Unapologetic , moves into its 10th Top 10 week on the Billboard Hot 100 and she makes history for becoming the first artist ever to garner ten number one songs on Billboard's Nielsen BDS-based Pop Songs radio airplay chart, the stage is set for the May 7 th release of the RIHANNA 777 TOUR live documentary concert ON DVD featuring 77 minutes of raw and uncut material.  On May 6 th, at 8:00 p.m. (ET), the night before the release, FOX TV will premiere an edited (44 minute) version of the film.

Rihanna made history in November 2012, when she took a group of 256 international journalists (representing 82 countries) and die-hard fans, aboard a chartered Boeing 777 twinjet to 7 countries in 7 days for 7 shows, flying toward the release of her 7th album Unapologetic on November 19 th RIHANNA 777 TOUR is a chronicle of those shows that took place in Mexico City, Toronto, Stockholm, Paris, Berlin, London, and New York City.
RIHANNA 777 will include performances of Unapologetic 's hits, "Diamonds" and "Stay," plus crowd favorites "Fresh Off the Runway," "We Found Love," "S&M," and much more.  As always, the production, costumes and stage design which Rihanna's fans have come to expect, all come through in a larger-than-life video and audio experience.  The tour was documented by a film crew and offers fans stellar performances of Rihanna's greatest hits in glamorous locales.  The film provides an inside look at this ambitious and often turbulent tour, from the sound of popping champagne corks on the plane to all the backstage chaos, and behind-the-scenes action of life on the road with Rihanna.  RIHANNA 777 TOUR is a Fenty Films production in conjunction with Love Live, Roc Nation and Gravite Creative.
RIHANNA 777 TOUR is her third official long-form video concert.  It follows up Loud Tour Live At The O2 (released December 2012), a chronicle of her sold-out show at the legendary London venue, the climactic final stop of her 2011 world tour.  Rihanna's first long-form Blue-ray and DVD was Good Girl Gone Bad: Live (released June 2008), recorded at her triumphant UK concert at Manchester Arena in December 2007, during her "Good Girl Gone Bad" tour.
"Stay," Rihanna's 17th Top 5 Hot 100 single, is the explosive follow-up to her RIAA platinum "Diamonds," a #1 gold, platinum and multi-platinum smash worldwide, and her 12th Hot 100 #1 hit.  The success of "Diamonds" propelled Unapologetic to a #1 debut on the Billboard 200 Albums chart in November, the first #1 Soundscan album of Rihanna's career.
Prior to "Diamonds," Rihanna's #1 Hot 100 hit list comprised: "S.O.S." (her first #1, from her second album, A Girl Like Me , 2006); the Grammy Award®-winning "Umbrella" (featuring Jay-Z), "Take A Bow," and "Disturbia" (all three from Good Girl Gone Bad , 2007); "Live Your Life" with T.I. (2008); "Rude Boy" (from Rated R , 2009); "Love the Way You Lie" with Eminem (2010); the Grammy Award®-winning "Only Girl (In the World)," "What's My Name" (featuring Drake), and "S&M" (all three from Loud , 2010); and the [Video] Grammy Award®-winning "We Found Love" (featuring Calvin Harris, from Talk that Talk , 2011).
SOURCE ROC NATION and Island Def Jam Music Group
JANIE FRICKE: RADIO ROMANCE EXHIBIT
OPENED AT COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® 
 AND MUSEUM


Nashville, Tenn. (April 23, 2013) – Janie Fricke, one of country music’s original 80’s ladies, is being spotlighted in one of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s latest exhibits. Radio Romance: Mainstream Country in the 1980s highlights a collection of artists that heavily incorporated pop influences into their country music. The exhibit traces Fricke throughout various points in her career including her early days as a popular background vocalist.

Fricke is featured alongside other revolutionary pop-country artists Barbara Mandrell, Eddie Rabbitt and Steve Wariner. The exhibit is located on the 2nd floor inside the “Sing Me Back Home” exhibit and will run through April 2015.

The artifacts on display in the Radio Romance include:

• Stage costume: Ruth Kemp designed a bugle-beaded blouse, belt and skirt for Fricke to wear when she performed at Camp David for President Reagan in 1981

• Awards: Fricke’s 1982 CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year and 1983 ACM Award for Top Country Female Vocalist

• Datebook: Janie’s “little black book” details all of the studio sessions she attended when she worked as a popular background vocalist.  The book is opened to December 11, 1974;  a day where Janie sang back-to-back sessions with Skeeter Davis, Lynn Anderson and Barbara Mandrell

About Janie Fricke:
Janie Fricke has taken country music to town, to the moon and to the upper gold and platinum reaches of the national sales charts on the way the way to becoming one of the most distinctively recognizable female artists in the music industry.

It was, in fact, that “distinctive” quality in her voice that moved her from the nameless-faceless world of national jingles and commercials to center stage stardom.  A litany of top commercials for national corporations such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, United Airlines and Pizza Hut established Janie as ‘the voice’ behind the products America loved –virtually projecting her voice into every living room in the country.  Janie is credited as being the first female voice to be heard on the moon when her weather jingle, exclusively produced for NASA, was broadcast to the astronauts aboard Apollo 12.

In the 70’s Janie became Nashville’s #1 most in-demand session singers lending her voice to artists like Elvis Presley, Tanya Tucker, Barbara Mandrell, Eddie Rabbitt, Merle Haggard, Charlie Rich, Conway Twitty and Ronnie Milsap, to mention a few.

But it was seven little words sung on Johnny Duncan’s #1 hit “Stranger,” released in 1977, that undoubtedly skyrocketed Janie Fricke towards super stardom. The ‘mystery girl voice’ on the song, singing the line: “Shut out the light and lead me,” intrigued music fans and professionals alike. Ultimately, Janie attracted the attention of Country music’s key players and she landed a solo deal with Columbia Records for Janie.  Her down-home Indiana charm combined with sophistication, natural beauty and a brilliant mega-watt smile made Janie Fricke an unstoppable Country music super star.

Delivering a string of consecutive #1 hits in the early 80’s, Fricke claimed Country Music’s top honor of Female Vocalist of the Year in both 1982 and 1983, which celebrated a remarkable career landmark. Janie established herself as the top country/pop mainstream artist, producing hits such as “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Baby” and “It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy,”—both of which topped the charts at #1. The Academy of Country Music awarded her Top Female Vocalist honors in 1983 complimenting her Top Country Female Vocalist awards from both Billboard and Cashbox.  The highly-accredited voting membership of NARAS recognized her industry impact with nominations including Best Female Country Performance and Best Duet Performance. After becoming one of Country Music’s leading goodwill ambassadors overseas and being recognized as the Most Popular International Female Artist by one of the UK’s leading music publications, it was clear that Janie’s success resonated globally as well as nationally.

Still viable in the new landscape of Country music, with 23 studio albums that have produced gold and platinum sales as well as a string of #1 hits to her credit, Janie Fricke prefers to wear the mantel of ‘legend’ lightly. She remains passionately loyal and committed to her music and her fans as one of the most distinguished and likable performers in the industry.

About the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The museum’s mission is the preservation of the history of country and related vernacular music rooted in southern culture. With the same educational mission, the foundation also operates CMF Records, the museum’s Frist Library and Archive, CMF Press, Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print®.

More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is available at countrymusichalloffame.org or by calling (615) 416-2001.
 
#  #  #

GEORGE JONES DEAD AT 81

Nashville, Tenn. (April 26, 2013) – Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.

Born September 12, 1931, Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Tender Years” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the latter of which is often at the top of industry lists of the greatest country music singles of all time.

“A singer who can soar from a deep growl to dizzying heights, he is the undisputed successor of earlier natural geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell,” wrote Bob Allen in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Encyclopedia of Country Music.”

Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas, and he played on the streets of Beaumont for tips as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Texas and recording for the Starday label in Houston, Texas. In 1955, his “Why Baby Why” became his first Top 10 country single, peaking at number four and beginning a remarkable commercial string: Jones would ultimately record more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music.

Jones’ first number one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning,” a Mercury Records single that topped Billboard country charts for five weeks. He moved on to United Artists and then to Musicor, notching hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race Is On,” “A Good Year for the Roses” and “Walk Through This World With Me.”

Jones signed with Epic Records in 1971 and worked with producer Billy Sherrill to craft a sound at once elegant and rooted, scoring with “The Grand Tour,” “Bartenders Blues” and many more. Sherrill also produced duets between Jones and his then-wife Tammy Wynette, and in the 1970s they scored top-charting hits including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You.”

By the time “Golden Ring” and “Near You” hit in 1976, Jones and Wynette were divorced, and Jones was battling personal demons. His solo career cooled until 1980, when he recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a ballad penned by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock that helped Jones win Country Music Association prizes for best male vocal and top single. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” revived a flagging career, and Jones won the CMA’s top male vocalist award in 1980 and 1981. He also earned a Grammy for best male country vocal performance.

In 1983, Jones married the former Nancy Ford Sepulvado. The union, he repeatedly said, began his rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol and prolonged his life. He signed with MCA Records in 1990 and began a successful run, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His guest vocal on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me” won a CMA award for top vocal event in 1998, and it became his final Top 20 country hit.

In 1999, Jones nearly died in a car wreck, but he recovered and resumed touring and recording. He remained a force in music until his death, playing hundreds of shows in the new century and collecting the nation’s highest arts award, the Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement, in 2008. In late 2012, Jones announced his farewell tour, which was to conclude with a sold-out, star-packed show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 22, 2013. Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Sam Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others were set to perform at Jones’ Bridgestone show.

Jones is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Nancy Jones, his sister Helen Scroggins, and by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
REACTIONS TO GEORGE JONES’ PASSING
FROM THE COUNTRY MUSIC COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
 
"My heart is absolutely broken.  George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world.  My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends." 
  — Dolly Parton 
"The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen." 
  — MERLE HAGGARD
“Today is a sad day in Country music.  We have lost another piece of history.  George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend.  He will be missed by many.”
  — Hank Williams Jr.
“I am very thankful I got to know George, he’s one of the greatest singers that ever lived.  I actually loved the man and really enjoyed the time I got to spend with he and Nancy.”
  — Randy Travis
“George Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived.  He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the listener – I think more than anyone else.  He will be dearly missed, but always remembered.”
  — Kenny Rogers 
"Country music and the world will miss George Jones.  He was someone who set a high standard in our industry for great music and lyrics that tapped into the emotions of the human heart at a very deep level.  His music has touched the lives of country music lovers for over five decades. My prayers are with his family and I pray for the repose of his soul.  May you rest in peace, brother.”
  — Collin Raye
"There's a huge emptiness in the music world today from the passing of our good friend George Jones. But, the void is filled with the many memories that will be with us forever. We love you, George."
  — The Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen 
"I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say 'George Jones'. He was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend."
  — Barbara Mandrell 
“SAD DAY FOLKS. TODAY, WITH THE PASSING OF MY GOOD FRIEND, GEORGE JONES, THE DOOR TO AN ERA IN TIME IS SLOWLY CLOSING. WITH ONLY A HANDFUL OF US LEFT STANDING, THE COUNTRY MUSIC I KNEW AND LOVED HAS ALSO PASSED AWAY. IT IS MY GREAT HOPE THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF SINGERS WILL REMEMBER ALL OF US FROM THAT TIME AND CARRY ON. THANKS ALL.”
  — RAY PRICE 
"There aren't words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I'll miss my kind and generous friend."
  — Vince Gill
 
"I am just devastated by the news that George Jones has passed away! The music world has lost one of the most original and innovative talents that the world has ever known. I feel such a personal loss of not only one of the greatest vocal influences of my life, but also I've lost a dear friend. Visits with George have always been full of joy and laughter. Every time I would see him, George would always greet me with a funny story or a joke! His legacy will put his name at the top of the most influential artists in history, right along with Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. His voice will be influencing singers 100 years from now and beyond! I'm reminded of the lyrics that Waylon wrote in the tune 'It's Alright.' 'If we all sang like we wanted to, we'd all sound like George Jones!'"
  — Travis Tritt
‘We are deeply saddened by the news this morning of the passing of our friend, George Jones. Our company was privileged to have represented George Jones in the 1980’s, most notably during the critically acclaimed ‘Reunion’ tour of George Jones and Tammy Wynette.  We will miss this ICONIC songwriter and his unmistakable voice, but he will live on in our hearts.’
  — Jim Halsey, Impresario 
“I'm shocked and saddened at the passing of my friend and hero George Jones. I was honored to have toured and recorded with him. Our hearts go out to Nancy and the entire family. ‘Now I Wonder Who's Gonna Fill his Shoes?’”
  — TG Sheppard
 
“I was saddened to learn of George's passing.  Along with being one of the greatest singers of our time, he was a sweet man who was always kind to me.  Please know that I am praying for you during this special time of loss.  If there is anything at all that you need from me please let me know.  Our prayers will continue for you throughout the days ahead.”
  — Guy Penrod
“Today is a dark for country music and music in general.  George had become a friend and mentor to us. We will always remember touring with him and how both he and Nancy were so welcoming to us.  Rest in peace George... No one will ever fill your shoes!”
  — The Roys
 
"Country music has lost one of the great ones today with the passing of George Jones. Rest in peace 'Possum', heaven has a new angel."
  — Lisa Matassa
 
“George Jones was just as impressive as a person as he was as an entertainer. He was ‘the ordinary, down to earth guy that happens to live down the road’ and a super star entertainer of which there will never be an equal.” His passing is a sad day and a great loss for us all.”
  — Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys
“His voice will live on forever in my heart. There will never be another!”
  —Kathie Baillie of Baillie & The Boys


“George was the greatest country singer of all time and was featured in my NANCY comic strip many times. I'll find the words....along with the pictures...to pay tribute to George in the comic strip soon, but today, I join all of Nashville and the Country Music world in sending prayers of comfort and love to Nancy and the Jones family.”
  — Guy Gilchrist
“George Jones was one of the most endearing, warm and friendly people I have ever had the privilege to meet. I have been lucky enough to work with George and Nancy and I am so blessed to have been a small part of their lives for a short time. While I am deeply saddened, I know his legend will live on.”
  — Janie Fricke


"I have no words to express my admiration and love for George Jones. To say he was my 'hero' does not do justice to the lifetime impression he made on me, both personally and professionally.  George Jones is the foundation of country music and he's the reason I wanted to perform.  He's the reason I'm still here in this business... out there on the road.  He was my mentor and my teacher; George was my friend.  He paved the way for so many and I was one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed the opportunity to not only sing beside him, but just 'sit and visit' with him.  When I was just starting out, we toured together; he was the headliner. After a few shows, he told me that I was going to close the shows (because he wanted to watch "Andy Griffith").  For a newcomer, it was intimidating to open for him; there was even more pressure to close for him. George gave me strength and encouragement; he kept telling me 'you can do it, son.'  George Jones is the Father of Country.  We will all miss his voice, and I will miss his voice to call me 'son.'"
  — Mark Chesnutt 
“I'll never forget the incredible experience of singing with George and I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and down to earth soul. Before I wrote the liner note for his Ladies Choice album, I said a prayer for the right words to a worthy quote that would come close to reflecting the way I feel about George. Here is that quote and it will always be true.
"We are all God's own individual works of art. In country music, George Jones is his masterpiece..."
  — Deborah Allen
"Country music lost an icon today and I have lost a dear and beloved friend. With tear-filled eyes, I'm reminiscing this morning about all that I learned from and loved about George Jones.  He was part of my 'country music education;' he made country music history and, in my opinion, George Jones is a song's best friend.  No one will leave an imprint on my life like George did."
  — Lorrie Morgan
 

"The first 8-tracks that I owned were recordings by Conway Twitty and George Jones.  Long before my career got started, I was at a concert (Travis Tritt's homecoming show) and George Jones performed.  I sat there and sang along to every word that George sang. A lady, who sat in front of me, turned around and said, 'do you know George Jones' music?'  When my reply was, 'heck yeah,' she introduced herself; it was his wife, Nancy.  Nancy brought me backstage that night to introduce me to George.  That was three years before I signed my record deal and we've remained friends and stayed in touch since then.  Right or wrong, in good times and in bad, people loved George Jones--he made an impression.  His music is his legacy and he will not only be remembered as the best country singer this world will ever know, but a great man that we all will truly miss."
  — Mark Wills

 
Keith Urban ‏@KeithUrban
If I'm blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!! –KU
  Urban Chat: Video 51: Rest In Peace George Jones http://youtu.be/pKiDcRq4YN4 

Grand Ole Opry ‏@opry
The music will never stop playing. Thank you, George and we will miss you. @gjpossum http://ow.ly/ksnbI  #RememberingJones
Lee Brice ‏@leebrice
Country music lost a great one today! @gjpossum will be missed... pic.twitter.com/OGqRhFUoGs 
Mark Chesnutt ‏@MarkChesnutt
My heart goes out to Nancy and the family. I'm gonna miss him. 
Toby Keith ‏@TobyKeithMusic
George Jones has passed. Damn. Thought he'd live forever. Let's break out his catalogue and play it all day Godspeed possum and family. - T 
Clint Black ‏@Clint_Black
@gjpossum Very sad farewell to George Jones. Deepest sympathies to Nancy and the family. 
Lee Greenwood ‏@TheLeeGreenwood
Blessed 2 have worked with heroes like Conway, Cash & @gjpossum. Their star burns so bright. When it goes out, there's a void in our hearts. 
Ricky Skaggs ‏@RickySkaggs
"THE Country Music singer of all time. The words 'Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes' has never been more true than today."-Ricky Skaggs @gjpossum 
ALABAMA ‏@TheAlabamaBand
We're very saddened to hear of the death of our amazing friend George Jones. 
Shooter Jennings ‏@ShooterJennings
Nothing to say except George Jones will be missed. He was an incredible soul, inspiration, friend. Greatest singer of all time. 
Little Big Town ‏@LBTmusic
There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace. #GeorgeJones 
Gloriana ‏@glorianatheband
Sad day for country music. Rest in peace, George Jones. 
Michelle Branch ‏@michellebranch
George Jones :*( R.I.P. 
Tracy Lawrence ‏@tracy_lawrence
I am so saddened by the news of George Jones' passing.I will always treasure our times together. http://ow.ly/i/1YIe1  RIP @gjpossum 
Clay Aiken ‏@clayaiken
Sad to hear of the passing of the great George Jones, Soundtrack to much of my childhood. We'll lay a wreath upon his door. Rest in peace. 
Easton Corbin ‏@eastoncorbin
What a sad day for country music. George Jones was one of my heroes. 
Merle Haggard ‏@merlehaggard
The world may have lost the greatest country singer that ever lived. pic.twitter.com/tdID9Sm57r 
Kenny Rogers ‏@_KennyRogers
Sad morning losing the great George Jones. He will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYQViYm92hg … 
EliYoungBand ‏@EliYoungBand
RIP George "Possum" Jone 
Rodney Atkins ‏@RodneyAtkins
Sending prayers & love to Nancy & the whole Jones family & all of @gjpossum's fans & friends. George Jones was a true country music legend 
ali landry ‏@alilandry
RIP George Jones. His music was the soundtrack of my childhood. My whole family were huge fans. What a legend:( 
Johnny Knoxville ‏@realjknoxville
George Jones R.I.P. You will be missed. xoxo pic.twitter.com/YoXssII47B 
Dolly Parton ‏@Dolly_Parton
My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer... http://bit.ly/11q34Ev  
Rob Thomas ‏@ThisIsRobThomas
R.I.P. to a true country/american legend, George Jones. thanx for the music. 
Billy Ray Cyrus ‏@billyraycyrus
I'm stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend George Jones.The very definition of a legend. Thoughts and prayers 
Sara Evans ‏@saraevansmusic
So saddened to hear of George Jones' passing. He was an idol of mine and a true legend! One of the best voices of ahttp://say.ly/dET5Gsc  
Luke Bryan ‏@LukeBryanOnline
George. You will be deeply missed. Thanks for the beautiful memories. 
Neal McCoy ‏@NealMcCoy
We lost a great man today,, but his Music and his Spirit will live forever Go get some Rest now George Jones,,, you deserve it 
The Band Perry ‏@thebandperry
Country music and the world lost a true legend today… Mr. Jones, you will be greatly missed. 
Hillary Scott ‏@HillaryScottLA
Saddened by the passing of George Jones. Sending prayers up for his wife and family. Country Music will never be the same. 
Troy Aikman ‏@TroyAikman
Country music legend George Jones has passed away at 81. "The Possum" was one of my favorites...had the pleasure of meeting him years ago. 
Alan Jackson ‏@OfficialJackson
Heaven better get ready for George Jones. He will always be the greatest singer of real country music – there’ll never be another. 
The Oak Ridge Boys ‏@oakridgeboys
We are devastated this morning ... We have lost The Possum... Legend and Friend... RIP George Jones 
LeAnn Rimes Cibrian ‏@leannrimes
So sad we lost "the possum" today. R.I.P George Jones and know we didn't stop loving you today. You will live on forever in our hearts.
Charlie Daniels ‏@CharlieDaniels
Rest in peace George Jones There will never be another one like you and we'll miss you a bunch Buddy. 
Blake Shelton ‏@blakeshelton
Really REALLY bad news. We've lost a country music legend. And I've lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones... 
Darrell Waltrip ‏@AllWaltrip
this is one of the saddest days in the history of country music, George Jones is a national treasure, he was a friend, God Bless the possum 
Martina McBride ‏@martinamcbride
So sad to hear about George Jones . His voice and music will be with us forever. Thoughts go out to all his family, friends and fans. 
Larry The Cable Guy ‏@GitRDoneLarry
RIP George Jones. Who's gonna fill your shoes? You will be missed. Thank you for your awesome music.
Craig Morgan ‏@cmorganmusic
We will miss our friend Mr George Jones RIP 
John Rich ‏@johnrich
Every serious country artist in the past 30 years has some #georgejones dna in their blood and music. My God. We've lost our Elvis.
Tim McGraw ‏@TheTimMcGraw
Gone ...... George Jones .....man he was country music 
Faith Hill ‏@FaithHill
We lost one of the best voices God created this morning. Our hearts are saddened to hear that George Jones has passed away...
.... Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and all of the family. 
Bo Bice ‏@OfficialBoBice
@gjpossum gonna take the day off from tweeting in memory of George, breaking out my Vinyl GJ & jam till midnight. 
Bo Bice ‏@OfficialBoBice
George Jones passed away this morning. We will miss ya Possum. There will never be another!! Make them angels weep up there GJ. 
Brad Paisley ‏@BradPaisley
My friend,the greatest singer of all time,has passed.To those who knew him,our lives were full. To those of you who don't: discover him now.
Jason_Aldean ‏@Jason_Aldean
So sad to hear abt the passing of George Jones. Country music has lost one of our pioneers & legendary icons. You will never be forgotten.
Kix Brooks ‏@KixBrooks
Possum, angels got a serious lead singer today - God bless Nancy his loving wife - what a guy- what a voice - that was one hell of a show!
Dierks Bentley ‏@DierksBentley
nancy and @gjpossum had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. love you nancy. long live the possum. gonna miss my buddy. real sad. 
Bob Kingsley ‏@bobkingsleyct40
RIP @gjpossum All of us at CT40 express our deep sorrow to his wife Nancy & to his family, his friends, & his fans. https://www.facebook.com/countrytop40/posts/653322274683719 … 
Sheryl Crow ‏@SherylCrow
Such a sad day... May you Rest in Peace George Jones. @gjpossum 
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